VALUE: Lifelong physical and emotional health and fitness

We believe -

• Athletics allows individuals to experience the joy of physical movement and satisfaction of creative physical expression

• Athletics is a life long activity that leads to physical and emotional health, fitness and happier, healthier people

• Those active in athletics are role models for healthy lifestyle for Canadian youth and adults

VALUE: Pursuit of individual excellence and personal growth

We believe -

• Athletics offers individuals the possibility to set and achieve personal goals

• While one person may aspire to win an Olympic medal, another person may set out to improve their level of personal fitness.  The level of aspiration is limited only by the individual`s capacity to dream.

• Whatever their goal, individuals can fulfill their personal potential through discipline, perseverance and dedication.

• Individuals enjoy competing against others and themselves and testing their personal limits

• Excellence in athletics is worthy to pursue, support and celebrate.

VALUE: Enabling individual development beyond sport

We believe -

• The personal experiences, challenges and memories in athletics contribute to individual growth and positive participation in society

• The choices an individual makes in pursuing personal goals helps to define personal values and acting consistently with these values helps develop self-confidence and strength of character

• Athletics instils in participants the values of sport: integrity, fair play, and respect of others

• Personal growth results from learning to put into perspective the emotions of joy, disappointment and satisfaction that an individual experiences as a result of winning, losing, success, failure and achievement.

• Athletics provides the avenue to develop life skills that are invaluable in the success of individuals outside of sport - dedication, responsibility, organization, goal-setting, self-esteem, time management and communication, among others.

• What is learned through athletics enables individuals to participate fully in their communities and Canadian society.

VALUE: Inclusiveness

We believe -

• Athletics provides opportunities for all - different sizes, shapes, ages, ability and skill

• The diversity of events makes it possible for anyone who wants to participate to find something that fits their interests, goals and physical ability.

• Athletics provides an opportunity for all to participate, pursue personal development and compete officiate, coach or volunteer without limitation created by bias, prejudice, or inequity of ability, gender, region, or culture.

VALUE: Integrity

We believe -

• Integrity is defined as honesty, incorruptibility and doing what is right

• Integrity requires an environment of fair play - where rules are known and respected by all and where cheating or circumventing due process is unacceptable and results in sanctions

• Integrity is not only required in competition but throughout the association`s activity: decision-making, communication, evaluation, contracts, recognition and awards

• Integrity implies the willingness to be accountable for actions and behaviour

• Integrity obligates all to have sufficient data with which to make decisions, become knowledgeable of roles, responsibilities and obligations, and become increasingly expert as leaders

• Respect, trust and credibility are earned and are the only true measure of integrity